This marked Reed's third violation in three years, his second this season.

"We cannot tolerate repeated violations of rules, especially rules related to player safety," NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said. "We will continue to take the strongest possible action to deter these types of violations and protect our players."

The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year would be docked $423,529, a single game check, if his punishment is upheld.

If Reed is sidelined, veteran safety James Ihedigbo would start in the place of the eight-time Pro Bowl selection.

"I was very surprised. I didn't see that one coming," coach John Harbaugh said. "None of those hits were intent to injure or harm in any way. I think when you look at the hits, that's pretty obvious. We all know Ed. Ed respects the game, he respects his fellow players

"He's a good person, he's got a good heart. He has a tremendous respect for the game, and we stand behind him in that respect as a team and as an organization."

"If we don't have Ed, that's a blow," Harbaugh said. "That will be something that will hurt us on defense and, once again, somebody is going to have to step up and play really well."

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NFL Team Report - Baltimore Ravens - NOTES, QUOTES

--One year after catching a game-winning touchdown in Pittsburgh, wide receiver Torrey Smith was limited to one inconsequential catch for seven yards despite being targeted seven times by quarterback Joe Flacco.

The former University of Maryland standout was shadowed all game by cornerback Ike Taylor. Smith was occasionally double-teamed.

"They were doubling him in the sense that they were doubling both outside guys," Harbaugh said. "So, they were playing a two-deep, man-under type of a scheme where they were doubling the outside receiver on both sides, which was Torrey and Anquan (Boldin) usually.

"There were also times when they were open, and maybe Joe felt a little something pushing out underneath it, and he threw it away or a little high and wide where he thought the only guy who would have a chance for it would be the receiver, and it just kind of ended up sailing a little bit too far out there."

--Rookie offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele had a learning experience as he squared off for the first time with Steelers star outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.

Although Woodley had one sack, five tackles and two quarterback hits primarily rushing against Osemele while Harrison recorded eight tackles and a sack against left tackle Michael Oher, Osemele held up solidly overall.

"I thought both the tackles played really well," Harbaugh said. "You are talking about two of the premier pass rushers in football, and they did a good job of keeping those guys at bay. The ball was out quick for the most part."

Drafted in the second round, Osemele has started every game this season.

"I feel like I had a pretty good game," Osemele said. "Those are some great outside linebackers. It wasn't perfect, but I'll get better every time I play those guys. When you play talent like that you have no choice but to get better."

Left offensive guard Jah Reid allowed Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel to blast Flacco on the Ravens' first play. It was Reid's first NFL start.

"The Keisel play was probably the low point of the game for Jah," Harbaugh said. "It was the first play, so it got better after that. Brett Keisel is a really good player."

--Rested a week ago due to a sprained right knee and an injured shoulder and held without a tackle two games ago, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata rebounded from his ailments and recorded five tackles and a sack Sunday.

Ngata appeared to have some issues with his injuries, but didn't look hurt during the fourth quarter when he dropped Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich for a 10-yard loss on 3rd-and-9.

"Yeah, I felt good, stronger," Ngata said. "A lot better, definitely. I just had to get a feel, kind of testing out my shoulder each play and I got more comfortable."